Zambia Development Agency

President HH Commissions PDV Metals Steel Plant  The Zambia Development Agency is thrilled with the commissioning of the Powerful Diligent Veracious (PDV) Metals Limited steel plant in the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone. PDV acquired a Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) Certificate of Registration (Investment Licence) in 2023 and benefited from both fiscal and non-fiscal incentives facilitated by the Agency.   The President of the Republic of Zambia Hakainde Hichilema officially commissioned PDV Metals Limited steel plant and applauded the promoters of the investment and government institutions that participated in bringing the plant to fruition. Mr. Hichilema expressed satisfaction with the state-of-the-art facility, which was constructed in just 10 months, showcasing the country’s growing industrial capabilities which attributed to the good policies of his government.   He urged government departments and agencies to collaborate effectively in advancing Zambia’s development agenda. Acting Minister of Commerce, Trade, and Industry, Honourable Paul Kabuswe, highlighted the government’s commitment to partnering with the private sector to spur growth in various sectors, including manufacturing and mining. Meanwhile, Lusaka Province Minister, Honourable Sheal Mulyata, stated that the investment would not only create employment opportunities but also serve as a catalyst for growth in Zambia’s manufacturing industry. Zeng Jun, Chairman of PDV Metals, said the new steel plant has created 500 jobs significantly enhancing the local manufacturing sector’s production capacity and promoting economic development. He underscored the important role the plant will play in nurturing a new generation of skilled labour in Zambia through the establishment of a craft school. ZDA Director General Albert Halwampa was among the distinguished government officials who attended the momentous occasion. PDV Metals Limited is a group enterprise specializing in non-ferrous metals, covering the full industrial chain from mining, processing, and smelting, to finished product production. The industry is located in the Lusaka Multi-Facility Economic Zone with a production capacity of 300,000 tons and was constructed.

The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), participated in the just ended COMESA Business Forum and Exhibition that took place in Bujumbura, Burundi from 28th to 31st October, preceding the 23rd Summit of COMESA Heads of State and Governments. This High-level Forum, was organised by the COMESA Secretariat, COMESA Business Council and the Government of Burundi, under the theme “Accelerating Regional Integration through the Development of Regional Value Chains in Climate Resilient Agriculture, Mining and Tourism”. The Forum brought together public and private sector, regional and global policy makers, development finance institutions, civil society and leading industrialist from across the continent in a bid to come up with solutions that will transform COMESA Member States into competitive, sustainable and growing economies while fostering regional and global trade and investment expansion.

The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) is excited to participate and exhibit at the Copperbelt Investment Expo Summit 2024 in Kitwe, Mukuba Mall. Hosted by Investlane Ventures Limited, this summit is themed “Green Investment, Mineral and Agricultural Diversity, Enterprise Development through Technology.” Visit the ZDA stand to explore investment, trade, and business development opportunities. #ZDA #InvestmentForProsperity #TradePromotion #BusinessDevelopment #CopperbeltExpo2024

ZDA at the AU High Level Private Sector Forum The Zambia Development Agency is participating at the 15th African Union High-Level Private Sector Forum, taking place from October 31 to November 2, 2024, at Ciela Resort in Chongwe District. The event, opened by Minister of Commerce, Trade, and Industry Hon. Chipoka Mulenga, focuses on enhancing intra-African trade to access new markets and bolster economic opportunities. Other notables at the event are Mrs Suat Gulsoy, a representative from Turkey’s Ministry of Trade, Dr Amany Asfour, President of the Africa Business Council, MCTI Permanent Secretary Crusivia Hichikumba, His Excellency Ambassador M. Muchanga Commissioner for Economic Development Trade ,Tourism Industry and Minerals and ZDA staff and management.

ZDA at the 2024 Shimunenga Traditional Ceremony The Zambia Development Agency participated at this year’s Shimunenga Ceremony held in Maala Village of Namwala District in Southern Province. ZDA Staff led by Director General Mr Albert Halwampa participated at this event particularly against the background of initiatives currently in progress to develop a Beef Zone in the Kafue Flats in which catchment area Maala village falls. During the ceremony the ‘ba Illa’ people parade their livestock while chanting ‘oli choolwe’ which loosely means ‘the lucky one’. In keeping with traditional customs the ba Illa jubilantly showcased herd upon herd of cattle belonging to different homesteads within Maala village during this year’s ceremony. The Republican President His Excellency Mr Hakainde Hichilema graced the event and was joined by other national leaders including the Minister of Home Affairs Honourable Jack Mwimbu, Minister of Water Development and Sanitation Honourable Collins Nzovu, Southern Province Minister Honourable Credo Nanjuwa among other provincial leaders. The event which was hosted by His Royal Highness Chief Mingaila was held on 26th and 27th October 2024.

Happy 60th Independence Anniversary Zambia! #IndependenceDay #ZDA #InvestmentForProsperity #tradepromotion

Zambia Trade Mission to DRC in Lubumbashi Officially Opens Lubumbashi - Democratic Republic of Congo, 16th October 2024 - Government has reiterated its commitment to supporting Zambian businesses to access export market for their products and services. Ministry of Commerce Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Trade Lillian Bwalya says the two government will play their role by reducing barriers, improving infrastructure, and enhancing regional cooperation. In a speech read on her behalf by Director of Human Resources Nalituba Mwale at the official opening of the Zambia Outward Trade Mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mrs. Bwalya urged participating businesses to establish long-term networks that will grow trade and investment for the prosperity of the two countries. “The Zambia Development Agency has worked tirelessly to facilitate this mission and ensure that our companies are well-prepared to engage in business-to-business meetings with buyers from DRC through Fédération des Enterprises du Congo (FEC),” she explained. She has noted that DRC continues to be a key trading partner and an important gateway to growing Zambia’s exports. And ZDA Director Export Promotion Jessica Chombo who spoke on behalf of ZDA Director General Albert Halwampa says the agency aims to enhance trade flows between the two countries. Mr. Halwampa explained that the Zambian delegation comprised over 40 enterprises, representing key sectors such as agro-processing, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, engineering, and services. He underscored the objectives of the trade mission which is to enhance trade flows between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. “We aim to immerse more Zambian businesses in the Congolese business environment, helping them tap into the wealth of opportunities in that country and committed to streamlining the export process, ensuring that our entrepreneurs can navigate it with ease and efficiency,” echoed Mr. Halwampa. He urged the Zambian companies to forge a win-win partnership with their Congolese counterparts to ensure that the collaboration between the two countries is sustainable. Meanwhile, Felix Siame Consul General of Zambia accredited to DRC expressed pleasure at the large turnout of Zambian and Congolese businesses ready to explore and seize new opportunities. “I am confident that the interactions, meetings, and agreements that will take place over the next few days will culminate in increased trade volumes, successful partnerships, and long-term investments,” said Mr. Siame. And FEC vice president Lambat Mutondo said the Trade Mission has the potential to deepen and strengthen relations between the two countries. Mr Mutondo said the mission will further strengthen both the Zambian and Congolese Economies.

Five Japanese Businesses explore Farming Investments in Zambia A delegation of five Japanese companies recently visited the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) to discuss investment and partnership opportunities in Zambia, with a keen interest in the farming sector. Accompanied by staff from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the delegation toured the country from October 7th to 11th, 2024. During their visit, the Japanese team expressed interest in the potential rate of return on their investments and the type of support they could expect from the ZDA. ZDA Director General, Mr. Albert Halwampa, assured the delegation of comprehensive support should they choose to invest in Zambia. “We handhold the investor until they are up and running,” Mr. Halwampa stated.  He highlighted several incentives for investors with a certificate of registration, including zero duty on imported capital equipment for those operating in a Multi-Facility Economic Zone, no tax on items earmarked for export and assistance with immigration if required. Mr. Halwampa outlined various investment opportunities in the country, such as the farm block concept, energy and mining sectors. He emphasised the benefits of investing in farming, particularly given the ready market access provided by Zambia’s eight neighboring countries. He also encouraged the delegation to consider investing in the energy sector due to the current shortages and highlighted opportunities in the mining sector, with the government targeting production of 3 million tonnes some of which should be value-added from Zambia. The delegation expressed satisfaction with their tour and commended the Zambian people for their hospitality and the peaceful conditions prevailing in the country.

Zambia Rwanda Share Trade and Investment Opportunities The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) and Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI) hosted the Rwandan Private Sector Federation (PSF) at a business forum in Lusaka. The two countries shared trade and investment opportunities in both countries. ZDA Board Chairperson Professor Biemba Maliti urged the private sector to continue working together to promote trust, quality and brotherhood. He also underscored the role of ZDA in promoting and facilitating investment, trade, and business development in Zambia. Rwandan Private Sector Federation Vice Chairperson Aimable Kimenyi highlighted the importance of building trust and partnering in larger projects, particularly in the agriculture sector. Meanwhile, Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry Permanent Secretary Lillian Bwalya reiterated the government’s resolve to continue facilitating a conducive business environment to promote inclusive growth and the competitiveness of industry and commerce. And Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Zambia, Emmanuel Bugingo, also noted that the role of the private sector is critical in leveraging the various opportunities that both countries have to offer.

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release ZDA Leads over 40 Companies on a Trade Mission to DRC Lusaka – 14th October, 2024 - The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) is leading a delegation of Zambian businesses for a trade mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haut-Katanga province in Lubumbashi scheduled for 16th to 18th October 2024. The objective of the trade mission is to facilitate the growth of Zambia’s non-traditional exports (NTEs) and to secure market access for Zambian products. The Agency hopes to penetrate, consolidate and expand the Congolese market for Zambian products. The trade mission will be characterized by an opening session attended by the Congolese government and industry players followed by exhibitions and business-to-business meetings with buyers from DRC through a well-coordinated match-making process based on the profiles of the companies. Commenting on the upcoming trade mission, ZDA Director General, Mr. Albert Halwampa revealed that working with the DRC government and the Chamber of Commerce in Lubumbashi Fédération des Entreprises du Congo (FEC), ZDA has matched Zambian and Congolese businesses depending on the sectors and areas of interest to facilitate trade deals and transactions Mr. Halwampa stated that Congo DR has been Zambia’s largest market for non-traditional exports for a long time. He, however, emphasized the need to maintain the country’s foothold in the DRC market, by conducting market research and trade missions every year. Mr Halwampa further stated that trade missions are an important tool that the Agency uses to link exporters to market and have proved successful. For example, resulting from the 2023 trade mission, the participating companies generated leads worth US$13.80 million. To date, out of the US$ 13.80 million orders generated, more than US$ 6 million worth of transactions have been actualized through exports to the DRC,” he explained. Mr. Halwampa expressed the desire of the Agency to see more from this year’s trade mission. “We believe the mission is timely and will further deepen market linkages and deepen trade relationships between the two countries and help Zambian businesses to scale up production while creating employment opportunities for the locals,” he explained. The 40 Zambian companies are from various sectors including agriculture, agro-processing, mining, engineering, chemicals and pharmaceuticals among others. //Ends// Issued by: Kwali Mfuni Head, Communications and Public Relations, Zambia Development Agency, Investment House, Nasser Rd, Lusaka. Telephone: +260-211-220177/222858 Email: Kwali.Mfuni@zda.org.zm